So far in the UK only Greater Manchester has secured health service devolution and its first metro mayor will have control of a £6 billion NHS budget. Not all in Manchester are happy with the deal however saying the Government is simply passing on responsibility for the under funded services to the local level.

Labour mayor candidate Sion Simon launches his election campaign

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Recent attempts to make major savings for council social services through closer working with the NHS has failed to deliver expected savings - leading in Birmingham to a major budget black hole for the city council.

But Mr Simon insists health devolution could work.

He said: ““We know that the Tory government in London is refusing to provide the care funding that we need – both for health and social care. This means longer waiting times, shortages of health care professionals and huge strains on our NHS staff.

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West Midlands Mayor candidates - what are they promising

“But if we’re to do something to defend our NHS from neglect by the Tory government in London – we need to take control of it. Let’s take back control of our NHS from the chaos caused by David Cameron’s failed plan.

“But first and foremost – this week, the government has the chance to do something about the crisis facing the NHS by plugging the funding gaps that are hitting patients in the West Midlands hardest.”

Mr Simon is consulting health and social care leaders and staff about joining his commission should he win the mayoral election on May 4.